30 Years of Successfully Protecting Turtles in Los Cabos

Thanks to a fully committed community

One of nature’s most awe-inspiring events occurs when Olive Ridley Sea turtles come ashore by the thousands to nest in a phenomenon known as an arribada, Spanish for “arrival.” Guided by moon phases and tides, these turtles emerge over a short span of 3 to 5 days to lay their eggs.

Although this mass nesting can appear chaotic, with turtles often digging up each other’s nests due to the sheer density, it offers some advantages. By overwhelming natural predators, it reduces the chances of eggs and hatchlings being eaten and increases the likelihood that more hatchlings will safely reach the ocean.

Olive Ridley turtles may nest once, twice, or even three times per season, either annually or every two years. Nesting intervals are about 28 days for those participating in arribadas and 14 days for solitary nesters. Each nest contains over 100 eggs, which take approximately 55 days to hatch. Baja California Sur is home to several critical nesting sites, both for mass and solitary nesting.

Despite being the most abundant sea turtle species, Olive Ridleys face growing threats from trawling and coastal development. Protecting them during nesting season is crucial.

ASUPMATOMA, short for Asociación Sudcaliforniana de Protección al Medio Ambiente y la Tortuga Marina de Los Cabos, A.C. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles and environmental education in Los Cabos. The organization began its environmental efforts in the 1990s and was officially established as a marine turtle center in 1995. Located at San Cristobal Ranch in Cabo San Lucas, ASUPMATOMA focuses on conservation, research, and community outreach.

In the 2024–2025 season, ASUPMATOMA protected 1,140 nests and released 71,769 hatchlings, thanks to the participation of over 2,200 people from schools, associations, businesses, tourists, and families.

Individuals, families, schools, and companies can adopt a nest. In return, adopters receive a certificate, regular updates on the nest’s progress, and details about the birth and success of the hatchlings.

Financial contributions support essential needs such as ATV repairs, replacement parts, and fuel for beach patrols. These donations make continued protection efforts possible. To donate:

Bank Account in Mexican Pesos
ASUPMATOMA DE LOS CABOS
Bank: Bancomer
Account: 0103531929

Bank Account in US Dollars
ASUPMATOMA DE LOS CABOS
Bank: Bancomer
Account: 0103456420